Venezuela has banned protests the could “disturb or affect” Sunday’s controversial election for a new constituent assembly, a move that thousands of opposition supporters have evidently ignored.

Demonstrations continued with vigor in Caracas, as protestors risked jail terms and their lives to express their discontent with President Nicolas Maduro’s government.

Five people have already been killed in clashes with security forces.

A demonstrator is detained in Caracas during a strike to protest Maduro. Photo by carlosrawlins. More here: https://t.co/8henY0fjiD pic.twitter.com/REei2mbxJa— Alexandra Ulmer (AlexandraUlmer) July 26, 2017


Opposition lawmaker Freddy Guevara said: “We represent the majority, we have the support of the international community and we won’t surrender.

“We don’t want to conquer just Caracas, but the whole country. That’s why everybody should go to the streets. We won’t get into our knees. We will continue our fight.”

BREAKING: Violinist wuillyarteaga just arrested near center of Caracas on Libertador Avenue. Still healing from being shot in face Sat. pic.twitter.com/iNc15K63KN— Marion Smith (smithmarion) July 27, 2017


A 48-hour general strike is now in its second day, and Maduro, whom protesters accuse of serious mismanagement of the country’s floundering economy, is hoping that a victory on Sunday will help to quell the unrest.

The new constituent assembly will rival the National Assembly, currently controlled by the opposition, and will have the power to rewrite the constitution.